New York film critic Mitch Berger is spending the fall on a private island near a tranquil Connecticut village. Unfortunately the village has now become wracked with conflict between traditionalists and developers. Mitch gets to know Hangtown Frye, a famous and reclusive sculptor who owns a farmhouse painted a bright pink (thus the infelicitous title). Unfortunately the most likeable character in the novel - one of Hangtown’s daughters - is murdered, and both Mitch and resident trooper and former detective Desiree Mitry get involved in the investigation. Mitch, who often digresses into obscure movie trivia, and Desiree, who has put her career in the slow lane in order to develop her artistic talent, are both appealing characters.